Musashi: An Epic Novel of the Samurai Era

by Eiji Yoshikawa

“I will do nothing that I will regret.”

When I am busy, the mountain looks at me. When I am at leisure, I look at the mountain. Though it seems the same, it is not the same, For busy-ness is inferior to leisure.

“A samurai’s wife must not weep and go to pieces when he goes off to war. Laugh for me, Otsū. Send me away with a smile. This may be your husband’s last departure.”